The earth is Yahweh's, with its fullness; the world, and those who dwell therein.
Psalms 24:1
Historical lead-up
Psalm 24 is a song of worship that celebrates God as King. Its opening turns attention from the people gathered to worship toward the Lord who made and rules over all creation. The psalm later speaks of entering God’s presence with reverence and welcome.
Why this verse was written
The psalm was written to help God’s people worship with a clear sense of who God is. This opening statement grounds their praise in God’s authority as Creator and rightful Lord of everything.
True meaning
The verse declares that the earth and everything in it belong to the Lord. “The world” includes all people and living things; nothing is outside God’s care or authority. This is not a claim that people own nothing in an everyday sense, but a reminder that what we have is entrusted to us and ultimately belongs to God.
Living it today
Let this truth shape gratitude and stewardship. You might thank God for something in creation, consider how you use your time or resources, or treat another person with greater care because they, too, belong to God. In prayer, bring your plans and possessions before God with open hands. Discuss together: What is one part of life you find difficult to entrust to God?
What follows
The psalm goes on to ask who may approach the Lord and describes the kind of integrity and devotion that belong in worship. It then celebrates the Lord as the glorious King who enters.
Related: John 1:14 — King James Version (KJV) (2026-08-22)
Related: John 1:14 — Young’s Literal Translation (YLT) (2026-08-22)
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